If you cannot say the name correctly, spell it out! Native speakers do this too! It’s a natural and common communication strategy.

Strategy #2:

Describe and explain.

For example, if I cannot say the name of my favorite TV show, Supernatural, I could describe it like this: “It’s a show about two brothers that hunt supernatural creatures, such as vampires, ghosts and werewolves.”

So, if you did not pronounce something correctly and this prevents your meaning from coming through, stop right away and recognize the error with one of today’s phrases.

Then, either spell out the name, or describe and explain it.

Try this out the next time you feel misunderstood by a native speaker, especially an examiner!

1) Wait, sorry, that didn’t come out correctly. My Chinese accent is getting in the way. What I mean is/ I mean to say “l-u-r-e”.
2) Sorry, I can tell by your facial expression that I didn’t say that right. Let me explain/describe it again.